Lapang deputy makes bid for top post

The leadership row in Meghalyas ruling Congress hotted up on Saturday with beleaguered Chief Minister D D Lapangs deputy Mukul Sangma rushing to Delhi apparently with an eye to the top job. Sangma is claiming the support of the majority of the partys legislators.

With Lapang already camping in Delhi after summons from the AICC,Sangma reached the Capital with 14 Congress MLAs,including ten dissidents who have sought Lapangs ouster. The development came after 21 of the 28 Congress MLAs,including some detractors of the CM,met at Sangmas residence late on Friday night and reportedly pledged unconditional support for him. The dissident MLAs have been pressing the Congress high command for nearly a month for a change of leadership as well as their inclusion in the ministry. Only six Congress MLAs of the 28 have found berths in Lapangs ministry.

Confirming Friday nights meeting,Sangma,when asked if he had the support of a majority of legislators,said,There is not only a majority,I am pleased to see a consensus emerging in Congress. We will communicate this to AICC.

Asked if he would stake a claim to the top post,Sangma said,It is up to the wisdom of the AICC.